M.A.S.K. Switchblade
With Miles Mayhem Action Figure and the Viper Mask
About This Vintage Toy
The M.A.S.K. Switchblade was released with Kenners 1985 first wave of this popular toy line. The Switchblade was the evil V.E.N.O.M.’s flagship vehicle and was piloted by the terrorist organization’s leader, Miles Mayhem, and his Viper mask. The Switchblade was a unique futuristic assault helicopter that transformed into a heavily-armed fighter jet.
The navy blue airship in helicopter mode featured sleek-looking landing skids and a two-bladed fold-up rotary system that would spin by continuously pushing the large button on the right side of the vehicle’s body. The Switchblade was the premier vehicle release for the evil V.E.N.O.M. opposition and was on many children’s wish lists for the 1985-86 holiday season.
When the airship converted into attack jet fighter mode, the rotor blades folded into the top of the helicopter tail. The ship’s tailfin rotated upward into a traditional airplane position. In addition, jet wings would automatically rotate out, and two chrome forward-facing gun barrels would spring outward into a firing position. The helicopter landing skids would then fold up under the wings and release two additional spring action dual laser cannons to complete the vehicle’s transformation. Miles Mayhem is dressed in a highly decorated bluish-gray military-style officer uniform.
The Viper Mask
The Miles Mayhem action figure featured the Viper Mask, which “pretended” to spit a corrosive poison. Kenner’s sarcastic use of the word “pretends” on the packaging ensured the user the mask itself had no actual powers, and the user must pretend that the mask had specific abilities. The smaller mask version shown below was quickly replaced with a larger one that included a slightly extended chest plate. The justification for the change to the more oversized mask was due to a possible choking hazard with children. The original smaller mask version is far rarer to find on the collectors market and is slightly valued. The value of the accessories alone is often worth more than the figure itself, depending on the mint condition of the action figure.
Miles Mayhem Action Figure
The Miles Mayhem action figure offered 7 points of articulation with the hips, knees, shoulders, and neck. Due to the overall reduced size of the action figure and to save cost on manufacturing tooling, the M.A.S.K. toy line limited the facial detail on all of the action figures in every series compared to other action figure toy lines produced by Kenner and other competitors. It was thought that consistent mask removal would wear off any painted facial detail paint and that the mask would be on the action figure in most cases during play.
Included Accessories
The M.A.S.K. Switchblade included a powerful bomb that was hidden under the fuselage. In either helicopter or jet fighter mode, a small release on the bottom of the body would trigger a drop of the hidden orange bomb. The value of the accessories alone is often worth more than the figure itself, Depending on the mint condition of the collectible.
Original Packaging
The original product packaging was a rectangular box with corrugated inserts to secure the vehicle inside. An illustrated action-based scene, logo, and action figure image appeared on the front of the box, while detailed transformation notations were featured on the back. NOTE: Collectors that have the original card back offer increased value to the collectible. (MWC = Mint with card) If the card back still has a bubble intact, that also increases the value. If the action figure is factory sealed on the original card (MOC= Mint on card), collectors can obtain the most value from that particular item.
Product Instructions
“We Really Do Care!” A bold customer service message Kenner printed on many of the product paperwork included with most Kenners products. Kenner provided detailed hand-drawn instructions on how to operate the vehicle’s features and where to apply the included stickers.
The 1984 -85 M.A.S.K. Switchblade TV Commercial
Collector’s Price Guide
| Image | Product Name | Alliance | Type | Series | Year | MLC | MIB / MWC | MISB / MOC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/MASK-Thunderhawk-THUMB.jpg | Thunder Hawk | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 1 | 1985 | $140 | $220 | $350 | https://retrotoyquest.com/action-vehicle-thunderhawk-matt-trakker-kenner-1985-mask/ |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/MASK-Firecracker-THUMB.jpg | Firecracker | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 1 | 1985 | $90 | $145 | $345 | https://retrotoyquest.com/action-vehicle-firecracker-hondo-maclean-kenner-1985-mask/ |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/MASK-Condor-THUMB.jpg | Condor | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 1 | 1985 | $50 | $135 | $300 | https://retrotoyquest.com/action-vehicle-condor-brad-turner-kenner-1985-mask/ |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/MASK-Gator-THUMB.jpg | Gator | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 1 | 1985 | $85 | $155 | $325 | https://retrotoyquest.com/action-vehicle-gator-dusty-hayes-kenner-1985-mask/ |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/MASK-Rhino-THUMB.jpg | Rhino | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 1 | 1985 | $210 | $300 | $475 | https://retrotoyquest.com/action-vehicle-rhino-matt-trakker-kenner-1985-mask/ |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/MASK-Jackhammer-THUMB.jpg | Jackhammer | V.E.N.O.M. | Vehicle | 1 | 1985 | $110 | $180 | $290 | https://retrotoyquest.com/action-vehicle-jackhammer-cliff-dagger-kenner-1985-mask/ |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/MASK-Piranha-13-THUMB.jpg | Piranha | V.E.N.O.M. | Vehicle | 1 | 1985 | $55 | $95 | $400 | https://retrotoyquest.com/action-vehicle-piranha-sly-rax-kenner-1985-mask/ |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/MASK-Switchblade-2-THUMB.jpg | Switchblade | V.E.N.O.M. | Vehicle | 1 | 1985 | $165 | $300 | $550 | https://retrotoyquest.com/action-vehicle-switchblade-miles-mayhem-kenner-1985-mask/ |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/MASK-Boulder-hill-THUMB.jpg | Boulder Hill | M.A.S.K. | Playset | 1 | 1985 | $350 | $435 | $550 | https://retrotoyquest.com/playset-boulder-hill-alex-sector-kenner-1985-mask/ |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/MASK-T-Bob-and-Scott-THUMB.jpg | T-Bob and Scott Trakker | M.A.S.K. | Figure Pack | 1 | 1985 | $45 | $65 | $125 | https://retrotoyquest.com/action-vehicle-mask-scott-and-t-bob-kenner-1985-mask/ |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | The Whole Collection | NA | SERIES 1 TOTAL | 1 | 1985 | $1,300 | $2,030 | $3,710 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Firefly | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 2 | 1986 | $45 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Hurricane | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 2 | 1986 | $80 | $0 | $525 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Outlaw | V.E.N.O.M. | Vehicle | 2 | 1986 | $150 | $0 | $400 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Raven | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 2 | 1986 | $85 | $0 | $290 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Slingshot | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 2 | 1986 | $90 | $0 | $775 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Stinger | V.E.N.O.M. | Vehicle | 2 | 1986 | $95 | $0 | $380 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Vampire | V.E.N.O.M. | Vehicle | 2 | 1986 | $40 | $0 | $190 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Volcano | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 2 | 1986 | $140 | $0 | $650 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Meteor | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 2 | 1986 | $80 | $0 | $300 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Coast Patrol | M.A.S.K. | Adventure Pack | 2 | 1986 | $30 | $0 | $190 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Jungle Challenge | M.A.S.K. | Adventure Pack | 2 | 1986 | $40 | $0 | $225 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Rescue Mission | M.A.S.K. | Adventure Pack | 2 | 1986 | $35 | $0 | $120 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Venom's Revenge | V.E.N.O.M. | Adventure Pack | 2 | 1986 | $45 | $0 | $100 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Alex Sector and Buddie Hawks | M.A.S.K. | Figure Pack | 2 | 1986 | $25 | $0 | $130 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Bruce Sato and Brad Turner | M.A.S.K. | Figure Pack | 2 | 1986 | $30 | $0 | $195 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Matt Trakker and Hondo MacLean | M.A.S.K. | Figure Pack | 2 | 1986 | $33 | $0 | $130 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Matt Trakker and Miles Mayhem | M.A.S.K. | Figure Pack | 2 | 1986 | $40 | $0 | $170 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Sly Rax and Cliff Dagger | M.A.S.K. | Figure Pack | 2 | 1986 | $45 | $0 | $185 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | The Whole Collection | NA | SERIES 2 TOTAL | 2 | 1986 | $1,128 | $0 | $5,185 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Billboard Blast | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 3 | 1987 | $40 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Bulldog | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 3 | 1987 | $130 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Bullet | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 3 | 1987 | $45 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Goliath | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 3 | 1987 | $200 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Meteor | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 3 | 1987 | $80 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Razorback | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 3 | 1987 | $110 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | The Collector | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 3 | 1987 | $40 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Wildcat | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 3 | 1987 | $125 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Buzzard | V.E.N.O.M. | Vehicle | 3 | 1987 | $80 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Iguana | V.E.N.O.M. | Vehicle | 3 | 1987 | $40 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Manta | V.E.N.O.M. | Vehicle | 3 | 1987 | $140 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Pit Stop Catapult | V.E.N.O.M. | Vehicle | 3 | 1987 | $45 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | The Whole Collection | NA | SERIES 3 TOTAL | 3 | 1986 | $1,075 | $0 | $8,430 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Afterburner | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 4 | 1987 | $150 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Detonator | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 4 | 1987 | $170 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Dynamo | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 4 | 1987 | $95 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Fireforce | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 4 | 1987 | $200 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Skybolt | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 4 | 1987 | $250 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Stiletto | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 4 | 1987 | $300 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Barracuda | V.E.N.O.M. | Vehicle | 4 | 1987 | $200 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Vandal | V.E.N.O.M. | Vehicle | 4 | 1987 | $95 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Wolfbeast | V.E.N.O.M. | Vehicle | 4 | 1987 | $300 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | Lazer Comand | M.A.S.K. | Vehicle | 4 | 1987 | $550 | $0 | $230 | |
| https://retrotoyquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Missing-Item-THUMB.jpg | The Whole Collection | NA | SERIES 4 TOTAL | 4 | 1986 | $2,310 | $0 | $11,880 |
How To Use This Price Guide
MLC = “Mint Loose Condition” This is when the action figure or Vehicle is in excellent condition, and is loose and “complete” with all original accessories, but without the packaging and original included paperwork.
MIB = “Mint in box” This is when the collectible is in excellent condition, and is loose and “complete” with all original accessories and original included paperwork.
MWC = “Mint with Card Back” This is when an action figure os is excellent condition, and is loose and “complete” with all original accessories, however included the original card back fully intact. If the original blister bubble is intact, It can bring additional value depending on the condition of the blister bubble.
MISB = “Mint in Sealed Box” This is when the Collectible is in excellent condition, and is factory sealed and was never opened or used.
MOC = “Mint on card” This Is when the action figure is in excellent condition and is factory sealed and it’s original blister bubble and was never opened or used.
COMPLETE = “Complete” This is when the collectible is 100% complete with all of its accessories. Additional paperwork included with the original package does increase the overall value but does not necessarily consider the item complete
DISCLAIMER: All values are estimated by Retro Toy Quest and subject to change and discrepancy, depending on the advanced nature of any collector.
Produced by Kenner in 1982, there were 5 total 3.75″ action figures released in series 1. Indiana Jones was the most sought after action figure in the line due to the popularity of the main character of the Raiders Of the Lost Arc film. The action figure featured 7 points of articulation including the neck, shoulders, hips and both knees. The Indiana Jones action figure also featured a quick spring arm action feature, that could be used for Animated action by using the revolver pistol, punch action and or whip. This action figure was very popular with kids in the early 80’s and was heavily played with. can be difficult to find in perfect condition. On the current collectors market, you will often find blemishes and paint removal on the action figures hands, and easily broken thumbs and damaged arm springs are very common.
